Zero Carbon Britain

Why do we need net-zero emissions?

The UN Paris Agreement demands that humanity must reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of this century. This is a big shift, but we have no option other than to succeed if we are to avoid really dangerous climate change.

Evidence-based solutions

CAT’s Zero Carbon Britain project offers the hard data and confidence required for visualising a future where we have risen to the demands of climate science. It helps to reduce fear and misunderstandings and open new, positive, solution-focused conversations.

Our integrated approach explores all aspects of climate solutions, from renewable energy and energy efficiency to diets and land-use, looking at how these can work together to help us build a zero carbon world.

We explore the technical, cultural, social, economic and political landscapes – looking at ways of overcoming barriers to change.

Key reports include: “Zero Carbon Britain: Rethinking the Future; an exploration of the cultural and social barriers to change” a technical scenario that shows how we can reach zero emissions , “Zero Carbon Britain: Making it Happen” and “Raising Ambition: Zero Carbon Scenarios from Across the Globe” a summary of zero- and low-carbon models from around the world.

Zero Carbon Britain: Rethinking the Future

How can we reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions using technology available today? This technically robust scenario integrates new research in two key areas – ‘keeping the lights on’ with a variable renewable energy supply, and ‘feeding ourselves properly’ on a low-carbon diet. In this report we show that it is possible for the UK to meet the challenge of climate change.

Zero Carbon Britain: Making it Happen

Rather than an unresolved technical challenge, it is increasingly accepted that we must overcome a mix of political, cultural and psychological barriers. This report investigates how we can overcome them, linking up insights from research with examples and stories from individuals and organisations that are living the changes we need to see.

Climate emergency! Local authorities pledge to act

1st February 2019
As CAT’s home town and home county declare climate emergencies, Paul Allen looks at the groundswell of action from towns, cities, counties and regions determined to take action to tackle greenhouse gas emissions.…

Meet the Modeller – Interview 1

1st February 2019
Following on from the release of the ‘Raising Ambition: Zero Carbon Scenarios from Around the Globe’ report in September 2018, the Zero Carbon Britain team, Paul Allen and Isabel Bottoms, are interviewing some…

London Climate March: It’s about time – for solutions!

1st February 2019
Paul Allen shared CAT’s Zero Carbon Britain solutions with the many hundreds of deeply committed climate active citizens who braved the rain on Saturday the 1st of December to march together…